Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast with Herbs (Go-To Dinner)

There’s something so comforting about a perfectly roasted pork loin — juicy, flavorful, and fragrant with herbs. As a mom and wife, I love making this Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast with Herbs because it feels like a special meal, but it’s actually incredibly simple to make. The air fryer does most of the work, giving the pork a golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy, and it’s perfect for Sunday dinners, weeknight meals, or even small gatherings.

I remember the first time I tried this recipe, I was nervous about roasting pork in the air fryer. Would it dry out? Would the herbs actually flavor the meat? But the result was amazing: the roast was juicy, infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and just the right touch of olive oil, and the aroma filled the kitchen while it cooked. My family devoured it, and I loved that I could prepare sides while the pork cooked hands-off.

The key to this recipe is simple seasoning and letting the air fryer do its magic. I like to use a combination of fresh herbs — rosemary, thyme, and parsley — along with garlic, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. The herbs and garlic infuse the meat with flavor, while the air fryer gives the pork a golden exterior without drying it out. This recipe is very forgiving, which is perfect for a mom who might be multitasking between cooking, helping with homework, and keeping the kids entertained.

Ingredients

For the pork roast:

• 2–3 lb pork loin roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika for extra color

Optional for serving:

• Roasted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, asparagus)
• Fresh herbs for garnish
• Dijon mustard or pan sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the pork: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice crust. Rub the roast with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. I like to massage the seasoning in with my hands so every part of the pork is coated.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the outside of the roast develop a beautiful golden color.
3. Air fry the pork: Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket fat side up. Cooking time depends on the size of your roast; for a 2–3 lb roast, cook for 25–30 minutes, checking halfway through. I usually use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This guarantees the pork is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
4. Rest the roast: Once done, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.
5. Slice and serve: Slice the pork into ½-inch thick pieces. I like to garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve with roasted vegetables or a simple salad on the side. A spoonful of Dijon mustard or a quick pan sauce on the side elevates the dish even more.

Tips

• Even roasting: If your pork loin is thicker on one end, consider tying it with kitchen twine so it cooks evenly.
• Herb variations: Fresh herbs are best, but dried work just as well. You can also experiment with sage, oregano, or parsley.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer for perfect results — pork can dry out quickly if overcooked.
• Air fryer space: Don’t overcrowd the basket; the air needs to circulate for an even golden crust.

For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.

Serving Ideas

I love serving this pork loin roast with air-fried or roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and asparagus. It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or rice for a heartier meal. Leftovers can be sliced thin for sandwiches or reheated in the air fryer for quick weekday lunches. If I want to dress it up for a family dinner, I drizzle a little pan sauce or apple cider reduction over the pork slices, and it always impresses.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prep — slice the roast and portion it with vegetables and grains in containers for a few days’ worth of healthy, satisfying lunches or dinners. Even the kids love the mild herb flavors, and I appreciate that it’s a protein-packed meal that’s easy to make ahead.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast with Herbs is one of my favorite recipes because it’s simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. The air fryer keeps the pork juicy while developing a golden, herb-crusted exterior that makes every bite taste special. It’s a recipe I can rely on for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or small gatherings when I want something that looks and tastes impressive but doesn’t require hours of prep.

Every time I make this recipe, the aroma fills the kitchen, the pork slices come out perfectly juicy, and the golden crust makes it look like a dish you’d order at a nice restaurant. Yet it’s easy, approachable, and absolutely doable for a busy mom like me. Once you try this Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast with Herbs, I guarantee it will become a regular in your weeknight and weekend rotation.